Primary Education

About this course

Entry requirements

Individual offers may vary. GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent at least five subjects including English language, mathematics and science. For non-native speakers of English: IELTS 7.0 in all elements. Degree and/or experience: a good honours degree (minimum 2:2 classification). This should be in an area that has some relevance to early years/primary school teaching, but need not be a national curriculum subject. Those wishing to pursue the primary subject specialism will have to demonstrate suitability through an appropriate A-level or degree level study.

In order to ensure that your decision is informed and has been carefully considered, and to demonstrate a commitment to teaching, you must complete four weeks in a school before starting the course. Before applying you must have completed at least two weeks (out of the required four) in school in a primary classroom (Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2). You need to demonstrate that you are familiar with the context that you intend to work in and we are looking for evidence that you have some understanding of the teaching profession. This experience needs to be recent and the majority should be within the last two years. You may have previous experience of working with children in a non-school based context, or work and life experiences that have helped you to develop a good understanding of the needs of young children and how they learn (including specific groups such as pupils with special education needs or English as an additional language). Similarly you may have other professional or vocational qualifications that make you suitable for teaching. We are keen to hear about this experience and how it could benefit you in your studies and in your role as a primary school teacher.

The Department for Education has introduced Professional Skills Tests in English and Maths for all applicants to teacher training (QTS) routes. These tests are compulsory, and it will not be possible to enter training without having successfully completed them. Candidates are able to book these tests in advance, and the Department for Education strongly advises you to take the tests soon after you have submitted an application. The University of Brighton recognises that these tests may present a real challenge to some candidates and we recommend that you prepare carefully before attempting them, as you are limited to only three attempts per test. We recommend that postgraduate applicants have passed the tests before they come to an interview as this will give you a clear advantage. However, if you have not yet passed the tests but have a clear strategy in place, we may well be prepared to consider your capacity to pass and potentially make you an offer of a place subject to their successful completion. When we make such an offer you will be given a clear deadline, usually within 2 months of your interview, so we advise that you plan ahead and book your tests well in advance so that you can organise your preparation. Details about the tests, including how to register and prepare for the tests, can be found here.

All applicants are required to attend an interview in person either at the Falmer campus or at one of our partner schools. All offers of places are subject to a satisfactory health check and a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) enhanced disclosure check. We particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic and other groups underrepresented in the profession (including men in primary teaching).

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our PGCE Primary programme was designated as 'outstanding' in the most recent Ofsted inspection. The course is taught at the university's School of Education, one of the UK's largest providers of teacher training with an excellent national reputation, and by tutors who are all experienced teachers.

Both our external examiners and students consistently report on the high standard of the programme and the quality of learning and teaching. Year-on-year end of course evaluations highlight that between 90-98 per cent of students appraise their course aims as exceeded or met. Graduates commented that "it was a privilege to be a part of such a vibrant and exciting university" and that "the course is incredibly organised and I have experienced some wonderful teaching. I feel very well prepared for my induction year and am so pleased that I chose to undertake this training year at the University of Brighton."

In line with government requirements, from 2013, the majority of this course is conducted in schools. You will spend 24 weeks in school-based training working with and alongside a range of partnership professionals. The university will induct you, provide you with professional, academic and pastoral support and complements, reinforces and expands the school based elements. You will develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required for a successful career in teaching.

Our course team prides itself as dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing educational landscape. You will benefit from a programme that supports the development of a huge array of skills, knowledge and understanding vital to entering the teaching profession as a principled and reflective practitioner.